Chapter 7.3 Controlling Extraneous Variables

The 3 primary techniques for controlling extraneous variables?

Randomization, matching, and statistical control by holding variables constant.

What is the goal of an experiment?

To show the cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Advantages of Holding constant and matching?

Holding constant eliminates variability, while matching ensures groups are comparable, enhancing the validity of results.

Disadvantages of Holding constant and matching?

Will require extra effort or extra measurements. Holding constant also limits external validity.

Advantage of randomization?

Reduces bias and controls a wide variety of variables simultaneously.

Disadvantage of randomization?

Is not guaranteed to be successful in balancing variables.

What does experimental condition refer to?

It refers to the treatment condition in an experiment.

What does control condition refer to?

It refers to the no-treatment condition in an experiment.

No-treatment control condition

A condition in an experiment in which the participants do NOT receive the treatment being evaluated.

Placebo control condition

An ineffective treatment that has no medicinal effect which enables the “placebo effect” that cause individuals to THINK the medication is effective.

What is the importance of the placebo effect in outcome research vs. process research?

• Outcome Research: goal is to determine if the treatment produces an actual effect.

• Process Research: goal is to understand how the treatment works and its impact.

What is simulation?

the creation of conditions within an experiment that closely duplicates the natural environment for a behavior.

What is a field study?

a research conducted in a place that the participant or subject perceives as a natural environment.